Objectives: The application of fasciocutaneous free flaps for reconstruction of head and neck defects following oncological surgery has increased since the 1970s, coinciding with developments in microvascular techniques. Although reported success rates are between 90% and 99%, flap failure continues to occur, most frequently due to venous congestion. This study examines the rates of re-exploration and flap failure according to the number of venous anastomoses in patients receiving free flap reconstruction after head and neck cancer surgery. Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis included 163 patients who underwent head and neck reconstruction with free flaps (radial forearm free flap [RFFF] and anterolateral thigh flap [ALTF]) at the University Hospital of Verona between January 2019 and June 2024. Variables examined comprised the type of flap performed, donor and recipient vessels utilized, and number of venous anastomoses, as well as the type (end-to-end [ETE] versus end-to-side [ETS]) and site (internal jugular vein versus external jugular vein) of venous anastomosis. Results: The overall success rate was 93.3%, with no significant difference between single and dual venous anastomosis groups. Prompt re-exploration upon detecting signs of flap failure is critical, as approximately one-third of such failures may be prevented through timely intervention. Conclusions: Single venous end-to-end anastomosis utilizing the internal jugular vein system is typically effective. Further research is warranted to clarify the indications for dual anastomosis involving the external jugular vein system.

Objective: the study aimed to characterize the novel entity referred to as secretory carcinoma of the salivary glands. Methods: we comprehensively evaluated 150 patients afflicted by malignant salivary gland tumors who had been under treatment at the University of Verona. Inclusion criteria primarily focused on the availability of paraffin block materials and adequate follow-up data. Subsequently, we conducted a comprehensive Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH) analysis, utilizing probes targeting NTRK-3, MALM-2, EWRS-1, HER-2, MDM-2, and NTRK1-2. Results: out of the initial cohort, 37 patients met the eligibility criteria for our study. We identified NTRK3 gene rearrangements in four patients (11%), two of whom had mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and the remaining two had acinic cell carcinoma. Notably, none of these patients had initially received a secretory carcinoma diagnosis. The primary treatment approach for all patients entailed surgical parotid gland resection. The overall survival (OS) for patients with NTRK3 rearrangements amounted to 78 months, with a corresponding progression-free survival (PFS) of 73 months. Conclusion: in summary, our case series suggests that secretory carcinomas exhibit a favorable clinical course and underscores the pivotal importance of distinguishing secretory carcinomas from other histological subtypes.

Introduction: Tumors of the lateral skull base, particularly those arising from the external auditory canal and peri-retroauricular regions, present considerable surgical and reconstructive difficulties due to their intricate anatomy and aggressive nature. The anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap offers a viable reconstruction option, enhancing oncological radicality while minimizing morbidity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on five cases of malignant tumors involving the external auditory canal and adjacent soft tissues, treated at a tertiary center from March 2023 to March 2025. All patients underwent radical resection, which included lateral or subtotal temporal bone resection, along with parotidectomy and neck dissection when necessary. Reconstruction was performed using myocutaneous anterolateral thigh free flaps. The study evaluated clinical outcomes, complications, and esthetic results. Results: The ALT flap was used in all cases without major postoperative complications. Two patients received adjuvant radiotherapy; one did not start treatment due to early recurrence. At follow-up, three patients were disease-free, while two had died from unrelated causes. Esthetic and functional outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Conclusions: The ALT free flap is a universal and reliable option for the reconstruction of complex lateral skull base defects, especially in patients following the radical removal of tumors of the external auditory canal and peri-retroauricular areas. It offers excellent tissue coverage, facilitates adjuvant treatment, and has a low complication rate. While our experience supports its use in aggressive oncological resection, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. Level of evidence: 4.

Background/Objectives: Mandibular reconstruction following ablative oral surgery is particularly challenging in elderly patients due to comorbidities and reduced physiological healing potential. While vascularized bone flaps represent the gold standard, the combination of an anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap and a bone reconstruction metallic plate may be considered as a less invasive alternative. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of such reconstructive techniques, in terms of success rate and complication rate, in patients aged over 55. Methods: Studies were included if the sample size consisted of at least 20 patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction with an ALT flap and plate following oral cavity resection for benign or malignant conditions. Studies were excluded if relevant outcomes were not reported and the mean age was <55 years. An electronic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. The last search was made on 26 February 2026. Data extracted included patient demographics, clinical outcomes and postoperative plate-related and overall complications. Risk of bias assessment was undertaken using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool for cohort studies and case series. Proportional meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the overall clinical success and the complication rate. Results: Of the 525 studies initially screened, four studies including a total of 329 patients (292 males, 37 females) with an overall mean age > 55 years were included. Mean hospital stay ranged from 10 to 24 days. The overall clinical success rate of the ALT flap procedure was 97% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 92%, 99%). Flap-related complications were rare, with flap loss reported in only one patient and partial necrosis or failure affecting up to 6.6% of cases. Conversely, the overall plate-related complications rate was 28% (95% CI: 15%, 41%), with plate exposure rates ranging from 10% to 38.7% in the included studies. Wound complications, including infection and fistula formation, ranged from 20% to 38.7% of patients. Conclusions: In patients over 55, despite the not negligible rate of complications, the use of ALT flaps and reconstruction plate represents a viable alternative to vascularized bone flaps for mandibular reconstruction, particularly when comorbidities or frailty preclude more complex procedures. Further studies with a large sample size are needed to validate these findings and guide clinical decision-making.

Precise osteotomy of nasal bones is a critical component in rhinoplasty, enabling correction of deformities and enhancement of both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Piezoelectric instruments are renowned for their atraumatic bone-cutting abilities; however, traditional osteotomes remain in use. This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of conventional osteotome techniques in rhinoplasty and compare postoperative outcomes with those documented for piezosurgery. This retrospective cohort study conducted at Verona University Hospital included 24 patients who underwent primary or revision septorhinoplasty between June 2021 and October 2024. A senior surgeon performed all osteotomies using an endonasal approach with a conventional osteotome and standardized technique. Postoperative eyelid edema and ecchymosis were evaluated on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7 utilizing the Kara-Gokalan scoring system. Complication rates, surgical duration, and length of hospital stay were also recorded. The mean scores for edema and ecchymosis were comparable to those associated with piezoelectric techniques, suggesting that precise use of conventional osteotomes, including subperiosteal tunnelling, can achieve similarly favorable outcomes. Additionally, operative time was reduced. Comparative literature indicates that periosteal elevation and soft tissue management may be more influential on outcomes than the choice of instrument. The positive results observed may be attributed to the use of the endonasal approach for osteotomies combined with subperiosteal tunneling. Traditional osteotomes present a safe, reliable, and cost-effective alternative to powered devices, achieving postoperative outcomes comparable to piezosurgery when employed with standardized surgical protocols and careful handling. Surgical expertise and standardization of techniques remain vital.